Ilocos Norte gov’t holds tourism stakeholders’ consultative meeting

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

THE ILOCOS Norte government wants to be better prepared this summer season to cater to the expected influx of tourists to the province.

To address this, the provincial government held a meeting with all tourism stakeholders in Ilocos Norte on March 20 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall.

Attended by hotel and resort owners, tour operators, bakers and restaurant associations, local government representatives and law enforcement officers, the meeting presided by Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos wanted to ensure that the province would be ready for a huge number of visitors for this summer season.

Taking a cue from last years’ experience where tourism stakeholders here underestimated the number of tourist arrivals resulting in insufficient food stocks served in various tourist destinations here including the provision of clean toilets located in strategic areas in the entire province.

“Ayaw natin na napapahiya [We don’t want to be embarrassed again] so I am hopeful that we can do some improvements particularly in Pagudpud where there had been reported complaints from tourists,” Ms. Marcos said during the meeting.

With its neighboring provinces’ aggressive tourism promotions such as in La Union as the surfing capital, Ilocos Sur’s series of events and Cagayan’s seafood fest, Ms. Marcos said, “It’s a healthy competition because it gives consumers much better choices dahil isang punta lang nila sa Norte, andami na nilang makikita. [they just have to travel to Northern Philippines and they would have their fill of tourism destinations].”

The governor, however, underscored that Ilocos Norte must hold its own by presenting cheaper, better and newer products and experiences to consumers.

For the meantime, she said the provincial government can help assist service providers in the province to provide consumer satisfaction particularly in ensuring security and a full menu of quality services for tourists such as having good communication signals, interesting food selection and shopping alternatives, among others.

As of March, busloads of tourists have been roaming around Ilocos Norte’s popular destinations: the St. Augustine Church of Paoay, Kapurpurawan Rocks formation of Burgos, the windmills of Bangui and the pristine beaches of Pagudpud including its newest heritage trails and eco-cultural attractions covering the towns of Sarrat, Dingras and Nueva Era in the eastern portion of the province.